Liverpool’s return to the Champions League spotlight came with a storm of emotions, drama, and contrasting fortunes — and at the center of it all were Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak. On a night when Arne Slot’s men dismantled Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 away from home, the headlines weren’t just about the scoreline — they were about the stories unfolding behind it.
Two New Signings, Two Very Different Tales
When Liverpool spent a combined £241 million in the summer to bring in Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, fans imagined an instant explosion of goals and flair. Yet, as the season has shown, things haven’t gone entirely according to the script.
Wirtz, a prodigious talent with creativity and composure beyond his years, has taken time to settle into the relentless intensity of English football. Meanwhile, Isak’s integration has been stunted by lingering fitness concerns — the consequence of missing pre-season action after his move.
Before the Frankfurt clash, the two attackers had shared the pitch for only 266 minutes across Liverpool’s last 810. That limited time together has made it difficult for Slot to showcase his new attacking vision in full flight.
And on this European night, their paths diverged dramatically.
Isak’s Struggle Continues
Liverpool’s £125 million man simply couldn’t catch a break. Isak’s evening ended prematurely after just 45 minutes — a first half that saw him fight to make an impact but ultimately end with another injury concern.
His withdrawal was precautionary, but there’s no denying the alarm bells at Anfield. The groin problem came just when Liverpool’s medical team had considered him back to full fitness following the October international break. For a player brought in to lead the line and deliver goals, the stop-start rhythm of his Liverpool career is already testing patience.
It wasn’t that Isak lacked effort — he pressed hard, looked for space, and tried to combine — but his movements lacked sharpness. And in a side that thrives on relentless tempo, even half a second’s hesitation can be costly. His early exit leaves fans wondering whether the Swedish striker’s long-term fitness might be the key to unlocking Liverpool’s full attacking power.
Florian Wirtz Announces Himself
If Isak’s night was one of frustration, Florian Wirtz’s was the opposite. The German playmaker delivered his most complete performance since joining the club — full of imagination, energy, and execution.
After an uncertain start that saw him lose possession leading to Frankfurt’s opening goal, Wirtz bounced back like a seasoned pro. His confidence grew with every touch, and his connection with Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai began to sparkle.
Wirtz first delivered a perfectly weighted assist for Gakpo’s goal, sliding a clever pass through Frankfurt’s backline for an easy tap-in. Minutes later, he found Szoboszlai with a simple sideways pass — and the Hungarian did the rest, firing a thunderous strike into the bottom corner for Liverpool’s fifth.
By full-time, Wirtz had rewritten the narrative around his adaptation to the Premier League. This was the performance Liverpool fans had been waiting for — the composure of a future superstar on the biggest stage.
Salah’s Desperation Was Clear for All to See
While Wirtz was orchestrating brilliance on the pitch, Mohamed Salah was sitting on the bench — visibly agitated, itching to make his mark. The Egyptian King, demoted to the sidelines after a stretch of poor form, watched his teammates tear through Frankfurt’s defense with ease.
By the time he was finally introduced with Liverpool cruising at 5-1, the frustration was written all over his face. Salah, who has scored just two goals all season — only one from open play — was clearly desperate to remind everyone who he is.
His intentions were obvious the moment he stepped onto the pitch. Instead of linking up with teammates, Salah went for goal himself at every opportunity. One particular moment summed up his desperation: after being played through, he chose to shoot rather than square the ball to an unmarked Wirtz, whose first Liverpool goal was waiting to happen. The effort was saved, and Salah’s body language said it all. Moments later, he lashed another shot wide — frustration pouring out in every movement.
It’s understandable — this is Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s all-time modern goal machine. But football, especially under Arne Slot, is evolving. The Egyptian’s hunger to prove himself might just be colliding with a new team dynamic that doesn’t revolve around him as much as before.
Still, one thing is certain: Salah’s desire hasn’t dimmed. His intensity, even in frustration, shows a player who refuses to fade quietly. That determination could yet become the fuel for a powerful comeback.
Curtis Jones Brings Calm Amid Chaos
Lost amid the attacking drama was another vital story — the calm brilliance of Curtis Jones. Partnering Dominik Szoboszlai in a two-man midfield pivot, the Scouser delivered one of his most mature performances yet.
Jones dictated tempo, recycled possession smartly, and offered a poise that Liverpool have sorely missed this season. When others played at 100 miles per hour, Jones controlled the rhythm, ensuring Liverpool stayed balanced between attack and defense.
His performance might not grab headlines like Wirtz’s assists or Salah’s frustration, but those inside the dressing room will know how important it was. If Liverpool are to rediscover consistency this season, Curtis Jones could quietly become one of Slot’s most valuable assets.
Liverpool’s Night of Mixed Emotions
As the final whistle blew in Frankfurt, there was relief, pride, and a touch of uncertainty. The 5-1 victory restored belief after four straight defeats and reminded Europe that Liverpool, under Arne Slot, are still a force to be reckoned with.
But beneath the smiles, big questions remain. Can Isak stay fit long enough to justify his massive transfer fee? Has Wirtz finally arrived as the creative heartbeat Liverpool have been missing? And can Salah rediscover his magic before frustration starts to overshadow his legacy?
What’s certain is that this night — full of goals, emotions, and turning points — might just be the moment Liverpool’s season begins to shift.
Because for all the doubts and the drama, one truth stood out above all: Liverpool are still alive, still fighting, and still capable of brilliance when it matters most.
